In the opening ceremony, Ms Vafa Rovshanova, programme officer at the Council of Europe Office in Baku, welcomed the participants by sharing the advantages of the HELP courses for legal professionals, the rapid development of the Council of Europe HELP programme in member states and the importance of introducing new training methodologies into legal education programmes.

Successful participants of the previously completed HELP distance learning course Introduction to the European Convention on Human Rights were presented with certificates by tutors of the course, Ms Gunel Sevdymaliyeva and Mr Sadig Baghirov – HELP certified trainers and Members of Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

At the end of ceremony, Mr Zulfigar Babayev, HELP Focal point for judges and court staff, informed the participants about technical aspects of registration to the platform and enrolled them in the HELP course.

The first course consists of six modules and it is expected to last twelve weeks, while the second course consists of four modules and it is expected to last eight weeks. During the mentioned terms, a regular evaluation will take place through online written assignments and tests. HELP certificates will be distributed to those who successfully complete the courses.

The courses will be moderated by Mr Azer Naghiyev, Ms Gunel Ismayilbeyli, Mr Ramil Rustamov – HELP certified trainers, Members of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Ms Gulnaz Alasgarova – HELP certified trainer, lecturer at Baku State University.